The fate of a dog allegedly abandoned in a New Brunswick home has sparked an online outcry among animal rights activists, who say it highlights the need for stronger animal protection laws.
The owners of a home in Somerville, N.B. say they found the remains of a dog among the mess left by the owner, who they say ran out on his rent and abandoned the dog to starve to death after several weeks alone.
Animal rights activists say incidents like this one are not common, but they do happen.
Annette James, who runs the Fredericton SPCA, said this isn’t the first time she’s encountered an animal left in a vacated rental property.
“It’s one of the pieces of how strays end up in a facility such as ours,” James said.
In fact, she said she asks anyone adopting an animal if they rent their home, and if so she checks in with their landlord.
“Sheltering is part of what we do, certainly, but we also adopt out and try to find forever homes for the animals that come in through our doors,” she said.
“Being responsible in that process is equally important as the vaccines we provide, the care we provide here daily.”
Karen McIntyre is an animal rights activist who says abuse like this continues because current legislation allows it.
“The lack of well-defined laws and enforceable laws do not often protect the animals that need protection,” said McIntyre, who speaks for the group People For Strong Animal Protection.
“I certainly hope that this is an eye-opener for our public to speak out for the animals in need,” she said.
The New Brunswick SPCA and the RCMP are conducting a joint investigation into the allegations stemming from the discovery of the dog’s remains.
A spokesperson for the New Brunswick SPCA said they can’t speculate on the possibility of charges until the investigation is complete.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andy Campbell
